In 2010 KARUCO was a dream. Now look. Thank you ETI Donors!
HERE’s THE NUTSHELL
2. ETI was honored at the ceremonies as the “First on the Field”, “Courageous Pioneers”, “Invaluable Support”, and thanked for being the lead that other partners in Europe followed.
3. Ten (10) of us from Team ETI were on site, meeting partners and celebrating KARUCO. Thank you Dennis & Sungsook Kim of EVS Engineering who donated Sparky the drone.
4. ETI works hand in hand with our Tanzanian Partners, churches, groups and people from all backgrounds and all parts of the world to bring about something larger than themselves:
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
What a day! October 29, 2017 marked the most significant milestone yet in the history of Karagwe University College. The KARUCO Dedication and Inauguration ceremonies were attended and enjoyed by 7,000 people from Tanzania, the United States, Europe and other African countries.
Mr. Kjell Bergh (Borton Volvo and Borton Overseas) with Dr. Jan Hansen (ETI) at “Joint Venture Square” in Karagwe near the Groundbreaking and Dedication Stone that bears ETI’s name.
Team ETI was in its celebration garb on site at KARUCO to participate in the dedication ceremonies. There were an estimated 7,000 people looking on – a large crowd made up of Karagwe Diocese leaders, Karagwe community members, Team ETI from the U.S., International Partners from Germany and Sweden, Tanzanian government officials, business leaders from Karagwe and the region, choirs, dance groups, local and global churches. People lined the areas both inside and outside the fenced-in arena. Just outside the fence, community members gathered to listen, share food and drink and be part of the celebratioin. The feeling that the communities surrounding the university now “owned” KARUCO was palpable.
Imani na neema. This far, by Faith and Grace. The morning church service started at 9:00 led by Bishop Bagonza and the KAD Team. The 3-hour service in Swahili incuded hymns, music, messages and more. I’m told that the messages acknowledged the power of faith in history and in establishing KARUCO as part of God’s global plan and reach. Amina.
The service ended and the KARUCO Dedication and Inauguration immediately followed for another 4 hours. Introductions, acknowlegements of gratitude for KARUCO and messages filled the afternoon. We were grateful for the lively music and dance in between the stream of messages. Groups from Bukoba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Karagwe filled the air with song and drums.
ETI was listed 9th in a series of 14 speakers. For those of you familiar with ceremony in Tanzania, this will not be surprising. Further, the 14 speakers were listed in between the first 9 aspects of the program and the last 5 aspects. It is remarkable we finished in just over 7 hours. The highlight for this attendant was the 1) unveiling of the Dedication Stone on Joint Venture Square; and 2) the unity of the International Partners as they came together to support KARUCO. Contrast both highlights with those at the Groundbreaking just five years ago when ETI was the only International Partner. I commend all of you who believed in the dream before it had its amazing track record. Thank you ETI Donors and Supporters. Look what you have helped establish.
ETI was acknowledged and thanked repeatedly by the people of Tanzania. Our organization was honored with an award and a certificate that as trailblazers, we will hold dear as part of our history. Jan Hansen and Kjell Bergh represented ETI in some (very) brief comments thanking all of those who joined hands to bring KARUCO into reality. Five years ago, KARUCO was a grassy hill surrounded by 1,000 acres. Today there are 12 buildings, a program, water, power, technology and people. You can believe in the power of God or professional competence and good fortune. Either way – KARUCO is nothing short of a miracle.
ETI has been partnering with KAD since 2010 to help establish KARUCO. Karagwe University College now sits on 1,000 acres in NW Tanzania and will bring economic and social prosperity to young people and families in the area. Focused on agriculture and agri-business, KARUCO is today’s hub for tomorrow’s change. ETI is honored to be a part of this amazing story.